Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon
A 'Chronicle of the Time'

Account of the Tercentenary celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon of Shakespeare's birth with, a biography and description of the town.

Robert E. Hunter (Author)

9781108001625, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

284 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.36 kg

A detailed account by the secretary to the festival committee of the extensive Tercentenary celebrations of Shakespeare's birth held in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1864. The jubilee, inspired by Garrick's of 1769, included performances of several of the plays in a specially built pavilion on the Paddock in Southern Lane. There was also a banquet, a ball, fireworks, church services, a pageant and several concerts. Planning was fraught with difficulties and disagreements such as the committee's refusal to provide the pageant (organised in the end by the townsfolk) and walked a financial tightrope. The event nevertheless was a success and paved the way for the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, opened in 1879. A short biography of the playwright, with an assessment of previous biographies, a topographical narrative of the town and description of the three previous jubilees held there (especially Garrick's) provide context and the perspective of the time.

Part I. Memoir of Shakespeare
Part II. Stratford: A Walk Through the Town: 1. The Church
2. Anne Hathaway's cottage
3. Shakespeare's birthplace
4. Retrospective glance at the town
Part III. The Former Jubilees: 5. Garrick's 1769
6. Second celebration 1827
7. Third celebration 1830
Part IV. The Tercentenary Celebration: Its Origin, Formation of the Committee, and History of their Labours: 8. Mr Phelps and the Stratford-upon-Avon committee
9. President and vice-presidents
10. Local and monumental memorial committees
11. Fancy dress ball – Lady patronesses, patrons and stewards
12. Preliminary programme
13. Fetcher correspondence
14. The grand pavilion
15. Preparations of the townspeople
16. The Shakespearian picture gallery
17. The festival – first day: Saturday
18. The festival – second day: Sunday
19. The festival – third day: Monday
20. The festival – fourth day: Tuesday
21. The festival – fifth day: Wednesday
22. The festival – sixth day: Thursday
23. The festival – seventh day: Friday
24. The festival – eighth day: Saturday
25. The festival – ninth day: Monday
26. The festival – tenth day: Tuesday
27. The festival – eleventh day: Wednesday
28. The festival – the finale
List of contributors
Sale of pavilion.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]